Bell, Book, and Scandal

where to put it back in when he was attacked.“
    “I know that makes sense,“ Jane admitted. “It’s probably true, too. Somehow I had an idea it might have more of a meaning.“
    Both the other women were trying hard not to roll their eyes in disbelief at this bizarre remark.
    “Where was the rest of the book?“ Jane said. “Mel didn’t mention a book being in the van.“
    “Why would he mention it anyway?“ Shelley asked. “Probably half of the people attending this conference have books in their cars if they drove here. You yourself have already stashed some of your own in your new Jeep so you don’t have to carry them all out at once, and I’ve loaded about half mine into the minivan.“
    Felicity said, “I’ve already shipped some of mine home through the hotel’s office center.“
    “You’re both right again,“ Jane said. “But still... would you order the shrimp pasta and iced tea for me while I go in the lobby and call Mel? I hate to see people making their phone calls from restaurant tables.“
    As Jane left, Felicity said, “If she feels so strongly about this, she could be right.“
    Shelley replied, “It’s just writer’s imagination.“ She added with a kind smile, “You have it, too.“
    Mel was even more skeptical than Shelley. “A page from a book? Yeah, I think I noticed that. I’d forgotten about it. Why are you asking?“
    “It could be important. Were there other books in the vehicle?“
    “I have no idea. Why do you think it’s important?“
    “I’m not certain. I simply think it could be significant. Would you ask the detective in charge if he could fax the page to the hotel? I have the number here.“
    “Jane, get a grip. Why would anyone have bothered keeping the page he had in his hand?“
    “You don’t mean when a person is attacked all the relevant bits and pieces aren’t kept? That doesn’t sound like what you said in the ‘Scene of the Crime’ talk you gave.“
    “But he wasn’t murdered. Just roughed up. Nothing was even stolen,“ Mel objected. “And in case you want to know, the hospital already released him this afternoon.“
    “Please, Mel. See if someone has the page. It would mean a lot to me.“
    Mel sighed deeply. “Jane, I must have some halfway decent reason for asking for this stupid page. I can’t just say ‘a friend of mine would like to see it.’ “
    “Why not? If it’s still around and nobody thinks it means anything, why wouldn’t they let someone see it?“
    “Jane, you’re the most meddling woman in the world.“
    “I know that,“ she said, smiling. He’d caved.
    She came back to the table and didn’t mention anything else about the page or her conversation with Mel. And neither of the other women brought it up. They just chatted about the conference and complained once again, halfheartedly, about Vernetta and Gaylord.
    “Have you discovered any additional information about who Miss Mystery is?“ Jane asked Felicity.
    “Not for sure. I hive a theory though. I think it’s that woman who eavesdrops everywhere she goes. In fact, she’s sitting over there.“ Felicity pointed with her hand close to the table. “The plump one at the third table to the right with the upswept gray hair and the purple suit. Keep an eye on her. She’s sitting next to a bunch of authors and making notes behind her menu so they don’t see her doing it.“
    Shelley said excitedly, “It’s the same woman I was guessing. Remember when I pointed her out to you earlier, Jane? Great minds think alike.“
     

Sixteen
     
    As Jane, Shelley, and Felicity left the restaurant, Jane remembered to ask Felicity about Vernetta’s epubbed book. “Is it still up on the Internet somewhere?“
    “I have no idea. Interesting question though. She probably didn’t even know to copyright it, much less remove it from wherever it is.“
    “Do you know the title of it?“ Shelley asked. “Jane says she never wants to read it, but I’m curious.“
    “Someone told me the title,“ Felicity responded, “but I’m sorry, I don’t remember what it was. Something with a word like ‘Quest’ in it. Finding someone? Searching?“
    Shelley interrupted with another insight. “Isn’t it odd that Vernetta and Gaylord don’t brag about the book or the story? All that Vernetta seems interested in is bragging about the money she’s made or will make.“
    Jane said, “I’d never realized that, but it’s true.
    How much of an advance did she receive? Do